Rave's Top Weekend Picks in the UAE: May 8–10, 2026

A lot is happening across the UAE this weekend — but not all of it is worth rearranging your plans for. From creative workshops and cult film releases to low-key community pop-ups, comedy nights, and genuinely good dining experiences, these are the events that stood out to us for 8–10 May. Whether you’re spending Mother’s Day with family, looking for something different to do with friends, or simply trying to make the most of the weekend before Monday rolls back around, here are Rave’s top picks across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Free Board Games & Escape Rooms at Hungarian Games

If your weekend plans could use a little more laughing-at-each-other-across-a-table energy, Hungarian Games is your spot. The Dubai venue is offering free access to its full board game library — no catch, no booking, just drop in and play. For something more involved, themed escape rooms are on at a flat AED 99, designed to test teamwork and bring out everyone's inner detective. A low-effort, high-fun outing for friends, families, and teams alike.

When: Until end of May, drop-in anytime

Where: Dubai

Price: Board games free · Escape rooms AED 99

Book: www.hungariangames.com

Mamma & Me Pizza Workshop at FALCONE

This Mother's Day, the award-winning Neapolitan pizzeria in Al Barsha is turning lunch into a proper event. During the Mamma & Me workshop, children make their mother's favourite pizza — and mothers return the favour, crafting their child's. Both arrive at the table in heart shapes, ready to be photographed and eaten. Personalised cards on the table add a quiet, thoughtful touch to the afternoon. It's the kind of experience that sidesteps the usual Mother's Day brunch template entirely.

When: Sunday 10 May, 1 pm–4 pm

Where: FALCONE, Galleria Mall, Ground Floor, Al Barsha, Dubai

Price: AED 120 per adult · AED 60 per child (includes gelato)

Book: +971 4 575 1336 · www.pizzeriafalcone.ae

Win the Viral Handbag Popcorn Bucket at VOX Cinemas

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is in cinemas, and VOX has a competition that fashion people will want to know about. Rather than selling the film's viral handbag popcorn bucket — already one of the most talked-about cinema accessories of the season — VOX is gifting 450 of them to competition winners. To enter: simply book a ticket for any screening online or via the app between now and 16 May. The draw is on 19 May. No forms. No codes. Just book your seat, and you're in.

When: Book by 16 May | Draw on 19 May

Where: VOX Cinemas

Book: www.voxcinemas.com

Terrarium-Making & Perfume Workshops at Rohini

Rohini at Mövenpick Hotel JLT · Dubai

Rohini has two experiences worth knowing about this weekend. On Saturday, the Rituals & Roots terrarium workshop invites guests to build their own miniature garden — a living keepsake to take home. All mothers receive a handmade souvenir, and the second ticket is 50% off, making it an ideal pairing. On Sunday, the perfume workshop guides guests through blending a custom signature scent to bottle and take home — a more personal Mother's Day gift than anything you'd find in a shop. Both sessions include a drink and a bite, and are priced at AED 200 per person. Pre-registration required for both.

Sat 9 May, 3 pm: Terrarium workshop AED 200 · 2nd ticket 50% off | Contact: 055 268 7950

Sun 10 May, 12 pm: Perfume workshop AED 200 | Contact: 050 169 5891

HOKUM Hits UAE Cinemas — Shot Partly in Abu Dhabi

Cinemas nationwide · From 7 May

The horror film everyone's been talking about has landed in the UAE. HOKUM, the latest from Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Irish director Damian McCarthy — known for Oddity and Caveat — follows a writer who checks into a remote coastal hotel to scatter his parents' ashes, only to find himself dragged into something far darker. Adam Scott leads the cast, and the film already holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after premiering at SXSW and cracking the US top-five at the box office. Notably, scenes filmed in Al Ain's Remah Desert give the film a striking local connection. One for the big screen.

MINT Market Returns with Pop-Ups & a Full Day of Wellness

Dubai's community market series is back this weekend with two distinctly different events. On Friday, the indoor pop-up at Sanderson's Cafe brings together a rotating lineup of homegrown brands across lifestyle, wellness, and artisan goods — with 15% off food and drinks. Come Sunday, the full-day wellness experience at The SEE Institute turns it up a notch: yoga, breathwork, sound healing, interactive workshops, and a curated market of UAE small businesses, all running from 5:30 am to 5 pm. Free entry for both. Kids' art and craft activities are available throughout.

When: Friday 8 May, 9 am–4pm | Sunday 10 May, 5:30 am–5 pm

Where: Friday — Sanderson's Cafe | Sunday — The SEE Institute

Price: Free entry both days | 15% off food & drinks on Friday

Book: Walk-in welcome Friday | Sunday pre-registration required at wellness-registration-form.replit.app

Siyarty's Automotive Ink Exhibition at Time Out Market Dubai

Egyptian-Canadian artist Shaheer Mansour — better known as Siyarty — has taken over Time Out Market's pop-up space for May with an exhibition of his intricate automotive ink works. Using a fine-tip pen, he builds deeply detailed compositions through layered linework, treating iconic car designs as cultural objects rather than mere machines. Entry is complimentary, and every Saturday from 6 pm, Mansour is in the space live, sketching new pieces and giving visitors a real look at how his technique unfolds. On 17 May, the market's popular Sip & Paint session also returns for a more hands-on creative evening.

When: Daily from 7 May · Live sessions every Saturday from 6 pm

Where: 3rd Floor Pop-Up Space, Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar

Price: Free entry Book: Walk-in welcome

Ladies' Coffee Mornings at Viya Golf Performance Institute

Viya Golf Performance Institute · Yas Acres

Not an event, but worth knowing about: Viya's Ladies' Coffee Mornings offer a four-session group coaching programme built for beginners and anyone looking to sharpen their swing and short game. Sessions run Mondays at 8 am and 9 am, and Fridays at 8 am. Included in the AED 495 package: four one-hour lessons, coffee and a pastry each session, a complimentary OnForm app subscription for video feedback, and golf clubs if needed. A rare combination of actually learning something and actually enjoying yourself.

When: Fridays 8 am (ongoing)

Where: Viya Golf Performance Institute, Yas Acres

Price: AED 495 per person (4 sessions)

Book: www.viyagolf.com/yasacres/promotions/ladies-coffee-mornings-with-the-viya-golf-performance-institute

Mother's Day Mexican Buffet at Chalco's Cantina

Chalco's is launching a Sunday Mexican Buffet this Mother's Day — and it has a generous offer built in: mums eat free when accompanied by at least three others. At AED 99 per person, the spread includes live taco stations, an egg station (Huevos Rancheros, omelettes, scrambled eggs), enchiladas, fresh fruit, and Chef Alonso's rotating Mexican specialities. The Marina Walk backdrop makes it a reliably good-looking setting for the occasion.

When: Sunday 10 May, 1 pm–5 pm

Where: Marina Gate 2, Level M, Marina Walk, Dubai

Price: AED 99 per person · Mums dine free (min. 4 guests)

Book: 052 112 8923

Weekend Specials at 21grams

21grams has quietly become one of the city's most consistent spots for unhurried weekend eating — and this weekend's specials are a good reason to drop in. The menu leans into the bistro's Balkan roots: slow-roasted lamb with biryan rice (AED 125), natur chicken with brown butter and crispy oyster mushrooms (AED 85), skirt steak with jir jir pesto and kashkaval (AED 120). New this weekend: grilled seabream with greens and jir jir pesto. Finish on the rice pudding with strawberry, toasted coconut, and olive oil (AED 40). Nothing here tries too hard — which is exactly why it works.

When: Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 May

Price: AED 40–AED 125

The Laughter Factory at Jumeirah Golf Estates

Ireland's Rory O'Hanlon headlines a three-act night of stand-up at the JGE Ballroom — his rapid-fire storytelling and sharp timing have built him a reputation as one of the circuit's most reliably entertaining acts. Joining him are Ismail Abdi and Nicole Drinkwater, making for a genuinely varied programme. Whether you're a JGE resident looking for a rare night out close to home or making the trip specifically for this, it's a proper evening of international-grade comedy.

When: Saturday 9 May, from 7pm

Where: The Ballroom, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai

Book: www.thelaughterfactory.com